March: New Zealand

An arty city poses for its latest portrait.

Why: Art, food, weather ... in addition to the year-round views.

Although you’ll want to spend time in the forward-thinking Kiwi city of Auckland -- maybe taking in the 2013 Auckland Arts Festival (March 6-24) -- this is the perfect month to get out in the country, where adorable lambs are everywhere, magically bounding from one beautiful hillside to another.

It’s still warm enough for a day at the beach yet fall colors are starting to erupt on the South Island.

Plus, where else can you take in a food festival that celebrates foraged food? The Hokitika Wildfoods Festival (March 9) offers such delicacies as huhu grubs, sheep brains, gorse flower wine and wasp larvae ice cream.

Weather report: Gorgeous, crisp days with averages in the low 20sC/low 70sF.

Who should avoid: Squeamish eaters. Gollum and Sauron.

April: Phuket, Thailand

Follow the sun.

Why: Get a jump on your tan.

When deciding on which of Phuket’s sandy beaches to lay down your blanket, start at the Big Buddha, a 45-meter white jade icon with 360-degree views of Thailand’s biggest island and the Andaman Sea.

Just know that arguments are fierce as to which beach is best -- there’s one for every taste from hard-to-find Banana Beach to upscale resorts like the Amanpuri.

Weather report: Monsoons don’t start until next month, so slather on the sunscreen and get comfortable.

May: Tokyo

During May's Golden Week, when everybody flees the city, Japan’s capital is as empty as you'll ever find it.

The city’s 160,000-odd restaurants are practically empty (relatively speaking) and you might even get a bid in at one of the thousand stalls in Tsukiji Central Fish Market.

Carp streamers known as koi nobori are flying, the mountains are a lush green and, by the time everyone returns to the city, you’ll be going the other direction -- to the countryside or Kyoto or Hokkaido, where the cherry blossoms and accompanying hanami parties are just starting to bloom.

Weather report: With summer's crippling humidity still a month or so away, gardens and blossoms are at their height and temperatures in the low 20sC/low 70sF.

Who should avoid: Travelers who enjoy being lost in crowds.

June: Seoul

A month of strolling around perfectly groomed lawns? Why not.

Why: To perfect your golf swing.

Ever since 2009, when Y.E. Yang came from behind to knock out Tiger Woods in the Hazeldine PGA Championship, becoming the first male Asian to win a major (the women have been winning championships since 1998), golfing in South Korea has taken off like a bottle rocket.

With the President’s Cup to be hosted here in 2015 and lots of new, upscale private clubs opening, many that resemble modern art museums, South Korea is becoming a legit golf destination.

Weather report: Mild temperatures and lots of camellias and azaleas.

Who should avoid: Cheapskates. South Korea’s fancy new golf courses require large membership fees.

While you might imagine that playing a prost song every seven minutes (that's the average toasting interval) could lead to a fast descent into chaos, Germans value rules and order and even when tents are canvas-wall-to-canvas-wall, civility prevails.

For those hoping to finance the rest of their year of travel, take note that Oktoberfest workers can earn US$19,000 in 16 days.

Crucial tip: Make a table reservation six months to a year ahead of time -- those who just show up to the party will not be able to find a seat inside any of the tents, and thus won't be served.

Weather report: Temperatures are crisp and cool (about 16C/60F) and Bavaria’s mountains are in their full autumn glory.

November: Sydney

Why: With more than 50 beaches (that’s just those in the city limits) and 300 days of sunshine, there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit this city.

But in November, before summer air fares kick in, reasonable flights and hotel rooms can be scored.

And even though the Melbourne Cup is run about 700 kilometers south (on November 6), the thoroughbred horse race incites a country-wide party.

Weather report: Beach weather (mid-20s/mid-70s) without the crowds.

Who should avoid: People without sunscreen.

December: London

Because the best Christmas shopping is done at a pharmacy.

Why: Charles Dickens.

No sooner did sweaty Olympic bodies pack up their medals and go home than London began unpacking its impressive holiday decorations.

The sweet-spirited Cratchits left a legacy that England’s capital doesn't take lightly.

From the giant Norwegian spruce (given to London by Norway each year) at Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland to Harrod’s, Fortnum & Mason’s and other department stores' extravagant, light-strewn windows, ‘tis definitely the season to be jolly.

Carolers, light displays, ice skating and choirs at Westminster Abbey make this the quintessential place to celebrate Christmas. Not to mention that massive bargains and sales take center stage right after Boxing Day.